An aging
roof shows signs of wear at some point. Frequent storms, high wind debris, and
snowfall can cause serious damage to your roof, demanding major repairs. Some
of these problems are not easily visible to the untrained eye. Therefore, a
trusted roofing contractor should inspect to catch the problem before it
escalates. It’s equally crucial to be aware of the indicators to watch for.
This
will help you make educated decisions about replacing or repairing your roof. A
roof features several elements, and problems can arise from any of them. Most
issues will arise from installation errors, manufacturing inadequacies, and
Mother Nature.
1. Sagging
Our
roofs are made of easily decaying materials such as wood. Failure to perform
regular roof inspections and maintenance services doesn’t bode well for your
roof. A sagging roof is one of the major signs that should never be ignored. A
sag indicates that your roof’s stability is compromised and cannot hold the
weight.
Prolonged
deck or ceiling sagging can lead to an entire roof collapse. Additionally, it
can make the door difficult to open or close. Insufficient insulation in arid
regions results in wood splitting. Hiring a professional roofing contractor is
advisable. They’ll be able to expertly evaluate your interior structure’s
stability. In advanced stages of deterioration, the best option would be to
replace your entire roof.
2. Cracking
Shingles
Cracking
shingles is a major surprise in homes with asphalt shingles. After
investigating all other potential sources of roof issues, you should consider
this. Signs of cracked shingles include finding granules in the downspouts. If
the shingles are not curling or buckling, check the major causes of the cracks.
Worn-out granules are usually an indicator of an old roof. Granules protect
your roof from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
Once
they’ve been washed away, your roof’s exposure to heat and direct sunlight
weakens them. However, hairline cracks are cosmetic and shouldn’t worry you. On
the other hand, excessive humidity can weaken your roof’s framing. This can
lead to cracks running across the walls and ceiling. The fissures compromise
the structural integrity of your roof, posing a danger to the entire household.
3. Leaking
Roofs
Fluctuating
temperatures between cold and warm can cause roof leakage, leading to ice dams.
This is common when the attic melts the snow on your roof, or the roof is not
properly ventilated. The melted ice then flows over the gutters, creating a
problem. Some people assume leaking roofs are normal with aging roofs.
If leaks
occur frequently and affect other parts of your house, it’s essential to get
them checked immediately. A leaky roof might mean that your roof structure is
failing and might be on the verge of collapsing. Hence, a thorough roof
inspection is a necessity. A rusted-out or improperly secured chimney flashing
in brick chimneys is also unsafe. Replacing it with a metal flashing will
ensure long-lashing and watertight protection.
4. Tilted
or Bending Roof
Your
roof’s rafters and slopes are meant to be completely parallel. If your roof’s
pitch varies from one part to another, you should consider replacing the roof
rafter. An excessively slanted roof might also be challenging, as it might run
off water into a single point. This weakens these points, making them
susceptible to roof leaks. Once you identify these issues, have them inspected
by a professional roofer immediately.
Bends
and ripples on your roofing support are major signs of a possible roof
collapse. Your entire roofing system depends on its support system for
durability. Therefore, if it is compromised or deteriorating, there are higher
chances of your roof collapsing.
5. Warping
or Curling Shingles
Asphalt
shingles warp or buckle when they approach the end of their life. Since the
finish of your tiles deteriorates with time, shingle granules in the gutter are
common. A well-functioning roof should have firmly secured tiles. Popping nails
are also a call for alarm, as they allow water to get under your roof. Multiple
damaged shingles across your roof should never be ignored.
One or
two damaged shingles might not be cause for alarm. Multiple damages,
particularly concentrated in one area, indicate roof failure. If your roof
curls on the side with direct sunlight, it shows it’s outlived its usefulness.
Damaged or buckled shingles in the valley mean water is seeping through or is
about to.
If your
roof is 20-30 years old and facing multiple problems, regular repairs might not
suffice. Furthermore, numerous repairs on a newly installed roof could also
warrant replacement. At Castle Builders And Roofing, LLC, we take the time to
inspect your roof and advise you accordingly. Contact us today for professional
roof installation, repairs, and replacement services.